LEXINGTON, Ky. — Basketball Hall of Famer Dan Issel, who played for the Kentucky Wildcats from 1967 to 1970, will be honored on this year's edition of the signature charitable bottle released by Keeneland and Maker's Mark.
Proceeds from the sales are expected to be about $175,000, and Maker's Mark says it will donate that to UK Healthcare’s Gill Heart Institute.
The design features a frosted bottle topped with blue wax and a picture of Issel jumping to make a basket.
“When I saw the first sketch I thought it was great. I never looked that good even when I played at UK, so I’m very happy with the bottle,” said Issel.
Maker's Mark is making 20,000 numbered, limited-edition bottles that will be available in stores across Kentucky on Friday, which is opening day of Keeneland's spring meet. The bottle costs about $52.
Issel will be available starting at 6:30 a.m. April 12 at Keeneland to sign the bottle.